Brown Skin Blotches

I have had these blotches on my stomach since i was 12. I am now 23 and I have a few more now. from what research I have done they appear to be a fungus. They are a darker pigment than my skin and one or two new blotches appear every year during the summer. They do not itch, but they just do not need to be there. I have never used anything on them since they started and not one has gone away. Any ideas or opinions aside from go to a dermatologist?

I just want to clarify what I might have. Thank you in advance.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
If they are brown blotches on stomach then they can be due to pityriasis versicolor. Pityriasis versicolor (Tinea veriscolor) is a fungal infection caused by commensal yeasts in hot and humid conditions. They may be reddish brown, slightly scaly patches or ugly, depigmented areas that will not tan, especially in suntanned skin.
Factors that can cause the fungus to become more visible include high humidity and immune or hormone abnormalities. Treatment involves topical and oral antifungal medicines.

So please get it checked and the treatment prescribed by your dermatologist.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.